Morocco’s prime minister urges unity as nightly protests worsen
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said Thursday that he was open to dialogue to end youth protests as security forces prepared for a sixth night of demonstrations that have descended into riots across the country.
Calls for better healthcare and education sparked the protests on Saturday, and since then, hundreds have been injured, arrested, and cars and businesses have been looted and burned.
Even if there were just a few people there, the increasingly violent protests have resulted in the most street disturbances in Morocco since the massive rallies that took place in the northern Moroccan Rif region between 2016 and 2017.
The first documented deaths of a fifth night of protests occurred Wednesday in Lqliaa, near Agadir, when security forces shot and killed three young people with knives who were trying to seize firearms and ammunition, according to officials.
200 people attacked a security forces post, wounding security forces officers who first used tear gas and warning bullets in retaliation.
PM DIALOGUE: “ONLY PATH”
Akhannouch said his government was ready “for dialogue and discussion” and has “engaged with the demands expressed by the youth movements.”
“Once again, we reiterate that a dialogue-based approach is the only path to addressing the various challenges facing our country.”
During the protests, the first demands were for improved healthcare and education. An unauthorized youth group called “GenZ 212” is in charge of organizing them. They use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and the gaming app Discord.
The GenZ 212 group has denounced violence and called for new, peaceful protests in major cities.
The group added in a Discord release, “We urge all participants to remain disciplined and ensure the peaceful nature of our actions.”
Police have vowed to take severe measures against anyone engaged in looting or vandalism. According to state news agency MAP, rioters might face 20 years to life in jail, according to Ouali Alami, a senior official in the public prosecutor’s office.
Organizers said Thursday night would see protests in major cities. However, smaller cities and villages where the group had not announced their planned protests have seen some of the bloodiest altercations.
The GenZ 212 movement is influenced by similar youth-led protests in Asia and Latin America. GenZ 212’s Discord channel had around 150,000 users on Thursday, compared to roughly 3,000 the week before.
According to a representative of the interior ministry, adolescents have made up 70% of those engaged in damage and confrontations with security personnel throughout Morocco. By Thursday, the ministry reported that 640 people were hurt, including 589 security forces personnel. The report states that 413 law enforcement vehicles and 195 civilian cars were damaged.
“While adults have been placed in police custody, minors have been held under protective measures,” the interior ministry official said. “Authorities will take all necessary legal measures, without hesitation or leniency, against anyone proven to be involved in acts criminalised by law.”
The growing violence appears to have hurt the popularity of the protest movement.
“I used to support their demands for education and health … but after I saw this fire, I am wondering how can this serve their demands?” 54-year-old Fatima was speaking outside a bank that had burned down in a busy area of Sale, near Rabat.
Morocco’s five-year credit default swap, which gauges the price of insuring government debt against default, increased by 9 basis points to 84 bps on Thursday, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. The level was the largest since June.
Last Friday, S&P upgraded Morocco’s credit rating to BBB-/A-3, citing the country’s sound economic policies and anticipated decline in the budget deficit.
